Pima County plans to spend more than $50,000 to put iron fencing around government buildings downtown in an effort to keep people from using parts of them as toilets, officials said.
โThis is a public building, itโs accessed by thousands of people, and itโs our obligation to make sure itโs a safe and healthy place,โ Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry said.
Crews began installing permanent iron fencing late Wednesday and work continued Thursday morning.
The fences will surround the terraced planters that line the south side of the three county buildings facing West Congress Street โ the superior court, administration and adult probation offices.
County officials also plan have fencing and gates installed along the walkway at the south side of the old Pima County courthouse.
Huckelberry said county crews daily clean human waste and garbage from the covered sidewalk area next to Pennington Street south of the building known for its decorated dome.
Later this month work to install additional fencing at the old courthouse will result in it being inaccessible to the public after hours.
The building is a popular location for wedding photos and other special events.
Construction of both fencing projects are expected to be about $53,000.
